Aaliyah’s Plane ‘Substantially Exceeded’ Weight Limits, Report Says
A twin-engine plane was significantly overloaded when it crashed in the Bahamas last month, killing singer Aaliyah and eight others on board, according to a preliminary report.
“The total weight of the luggage, fuel on board at the time of the accident, plus the weight of the passengers showed that the total gross weight of the airplane was substantially exceeded,” said the National Transportation Safety Board report, released Saturday.
NTSB officials said they could not release figures on weight or other specifics on the crash. “It’s a Bahamian accident and we have to publish what they approve us to publish,” said Jorge Prellezo, southeast regional director.
Prellezo said he did not know when the final NTSB report would be released.
Nine people, six from Los Angeles, were on board, but the Cessna 402B is certified to carry six to eight people, including the pilot, Cessna Aircraft Co. spokeswoman Jessica Myers has said.
Bahamian authorities have said the estimated weight of the plane, luggage and fuel was about 5,495 pounds, not including the nine occupants. The maximum authorized takeoff weight for the Cessna 402B is 6,300 pounds.
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